external image GreenerGrass.jpg

E-Journal Entry One
Wednesday January 26th, 2011
Chapters- Prologue-5
Pages- 1-27

When I was choosing my choice of books, "Greener Grass" caught my eye because it was set back in time (1847) and set in a different country (Ireland). On the back of this book were questions that intrigued me because I didn’t know the answers to them. The only way to find the answers was by reading. Ms. Carlyle assigned me this book, and I was happy. As I opened to the Prologue and started reading I was confused. One of the only things I knew was the main character, Katherine Mary Margaret Byrne also known as "Kit". As I read along I it started to become more clear , Kit’s mom was pregnant and her father is leaving to work for the summer in England. Her family is poor and only survives on the money earned by herself and her father. Currently I am finding this book is boring and depressing because it is about a girl with a job, who is trying to keep her family from starving, while her father is away for the summer of blight. I feel bad for Kit, because she is only fourteen and is living the life of a mother. I hope this book gets better, because I really wanted it to be good. I wonder what her father is doing in England? Why isn’t he sending his wages?
One of the questions was "Is stealing allowed if it’s done to feed her family?" It was answered in chapter 11, when Kit stole the scarps of the roast beef, for her family. She felt her mother needed more protein for the baby. No one caught her with it, therefore she made it home safely. Her mother asked how Kit had gotten the food, Kit lied and said that God had given her the chance. Her mom agreed and ate it. Then her mother asked her to bring some to the neighbors who are also poor. The "Grey Man" who rots the crops, came and ruined most of the potatoes. This is leaving people to starve.

E-Journal Entry Two
Monday January 31st, 2011
Chapters 12- 15
Pages- 75-95

Now that I have read more of my book, I am starting to really like it! I don't want to put it down. The characters at the beginning who didn't seem important have had a impact on the protagonist and her family, like Tom, family friends. Jack had fallen ill, but thank heavens for Lizzie (medicine woman) who used her tonics to save him. A little while later a family friend had gotten sick (same as Jack's illness), but they didn't know if Lizzie's medicine would help. In the end, she didn't die. Kit and her family had recieved a letter form Da, and it wasn't good news. Another family friend working in England had passed away. I feel terrible for that family, because she they are also surviving on the little wages.

E-Journal Entry Three
Wednesday February 16th, 2011
Ending of Book

Kit's family was depressed because Da died on the job. With no wages from either Da and Kit, the family is even more poor and hungry. Lynch and his sons are on the prowl for those who can't afford to pay the rent. Lynch is the one who was causes all the problems, so Kit was trying to get rid of the problem. By killing! I believe this is too far, because if she gets caught not only will she have to go to jail, but her famlily have not be able to survive. She went up to the house and tried to poison him. It didn't work but he got extermely ill. While, another family friend's house has been burnt down. A rule is if anyone is housing the ones who have been evicted then they too will be evicted, Kit's family was one. After Kit's house burned they had an idea to buy tickets for a ship sailing to Canada. They were off to the harbour. Annie (Kit's baby sister), almost didn't make it. They met some friends on the way, who helped then pay for the tickets. Just as they were boarding the ship Lynch and his sons showed up, looking for Kit. She quickly hide in the nearest luggage bag, while her family started sailing away. She was left on the dock alone. Kit did end up on a boat to Canada, although she was going to have a hard time finding them in Canada.

Ms. Carlyle's Message
Reponse
Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

I don't really feel pressured by my group members, because we are all amazing writers and we have different opinions on what we like. My groups members help me with ideas when I can't think and they support and respect my opinions and judgements.